Healthy Olesz can lend hand

November 20, 2007|By Steve Gorten Staff Writer

Washington — Rostislav Olesz says he hates to miss games, so when it was determined the left wing would be out three to six weeks with a broken right hand, the lower end of that estimate seemed likely.

Sure enough, after missing 14 games, Olesz returned to the Panthers' lineup Monday night against the Capitals, 25 days after undergoing surgery. He started on the fourth line with Gregory Campbell and Steve Montador. Tanner Glass was a healthy scratch.

"My recovery went much better than they thought," Olesz said. "I can shoot pretty good and hard, almost the same as before. Sometimes it hurts, but mostly not."

Coach Jacques Martin said Olesz shot the puck during Monday's morning skate the best he has since surgery, and his return would provide an immediate boost.

"Where he can really help us is our power play," Martin said.

Added center Olli Jokinen: "He's a big, strong guy, so he's one of those who can go to the net, stay there and score some dirty goals. It should help, definitely."

Defenseman Cory Murphy (bruised shoulder) missed his third straight game. Martin said it's doubtful Murphy will play Wednesday at Columbus, though he might resume skating today.

JOKINEN UPDATE

Jokinen, who played a season-low 13:50 against the Caps on Thursday, said Martin was upset at him for staying on the ice close to two minutes for one shift that game.

Jokinen played a season-high 26:11 the next game (Saturday), hours after a rumor that Martin wants to trade him was made public. Jokinen's agent, Mark Gandler, said he has heard from others that Jokinen and Martin had a run-in at the morning skate that day, and again at the team hotel, but "I know it's not true."

"I spoke right after practice with Olli and he was laughing," Gandler said. "I spoke with him again before the game and he told me it's not true."

A team source said that if Martin were shopping Jokinen, he would have to notify majority owner Alan Cohen before doing so. Cohen said Monday that Martin has given him no indication he's trying to trade Jokinen.

"Whatever issues Jacques has had with Olli, they're no different than the issues any coach has had with a player," Gandler said. "I've known Jacques for many years ... they met over these rumors and there are no issues between them. You can be absolutely sure what I'm telling you is the truth."